How to Install Fiberglass Batt Insulation

Fiberglass batts are the cheapest, easiest way to insulate new walls. However, they're often installed poorly — and even small gaps can reduce efficiency as much as 25 percent. In this article, we'll show you how to avoid those mistakes, how to cut and fit fiberglass batts and how to work around electrical outlets and cables.

Fill all voids

Fill the stud cavity

Push batts all the way to the back of each stud space and then pull out the front edges until they're flush with the face of the studs.

The key to a quality insulating job is tight-fitting batts that completely fill the stud cavity with no voids or gaps. You can do top-quality work with only a few basic tools. You'll need a utility knife with a good supply of sharp blades, a tape measure and a straightedge, and a 3- or 4-in. putty knife for stuffing insulation around doors and windows. Fiberglass can irritate your throat and skin, so wear protective gear. Buy a two-strap mask rated for fiberglass insulation (look for N-95 rating) and wear a hat, gloves, a long-sleeve shirt and goggles to keep fibers out of your eyes.

Fit batts tightly around electrical cables and boxes

Split batts around cables

Split batts to fit around electrical cables. Tear the batt in half, starting from the bottom. Slide one half behind the cable and lay the other half over the top.

Cut batts around boxes

Split and cut batts to fit behind and around electrical boxes. Slide half the batt behind the box. Then cut the front half to fit tightly around the box.

Running a full batt in front of electrical cables leaves an uninsulated space behind. Avoid this by splitting the batt as shown. Then when you come to an electrical box, trim the insulation to fit snugly around it. Run your knife blade against the outside of the box to guide the cut. But don't cut too deep or you risk nicking the wires. If you have plumbing pipes on an outside wall, insulate behind them, but leave the side facing the interior uncovered to allow heat from the house to keep the pipes warm.

Fit first, then cut to length

Cut batts slightly long

Cut batts to length by setting the top of the batt into the space and cutting against the bottom plate with a sharp utility knife. Leave an extra 1/2 in. of length for a tighter fit.

We're using unfaced batts that are sized to friction-fit into standard stud spaces (either 16-in. or 24-in. on-center studs). They're also available precut to lengths that fit standard 8-ft. and 9-ft. walls. Buying precut batts eliminates some work, but you'll still have to cut some batts to length. You could measure the space and cut the batt to fit, but a quicker method that's just as accurate is shown below. Leave an extra 1/2 in. of length for a snug fit.

We're using unfaced batts because they're easier to cut and install. In most climates, you'll have to staple 4-mil plastic sheeting over the batts to form a vapor barrier. Check with your local building inspector for the recommended practice in your area.

Trim batts in place

Cut-in-place method

Leave the batt folded in half and hold one edge against the edge of the stud. Slice down the length while holding the top of the batt. Cut against the stud face.

Measure-and-cut method

Alternate method: Press a straightedge down on the batt at the desired width and use it as a guide for the utility knife.

Accurate cutting is essential(actually, slightly oversized batts are best). A batt cut too small leaves gaps and one cut too large bunches up and leaves voids.

The photos show two methods of cutting batts to width. If you're having trouble getting an accurate cut with the “eyeballing” technique, measure the width of the stud space and use the straightedge method instead. Add about 1/2 in. to the width to ensure a tight fit. It's better to compress the batts a little than to leave gaps. Don't worry if the batts bulge out a bit. The drywall will compress them tightly.

Fill gaps around windows and doors

Insulate windows and doors

Stuff skinny strips of batting into spaces around windows and doors with a 3-in. wide putty knife. The insulation should fit snugly, but don't pack it.

The shim space around windows and doors is a prime spot for air leakage. Stop these leaks by reaching to the back of this space with the straw-type nozzle included with a can of expanding foam insulation and applying a bead around the perimeter. Let it cure at least an hour before stuffing the remaining space with a thin strip of fiberglass. Don't pack the fiberglass too tight or it will bow the jambs and cause trouble with the operation of the window.